The Stress Hormone: 9 Effects Of Having High Cortisol
Do you know how having high cortisol influences you mentally and physically? Why is cortisol called the ‘stress hormone’? Discover the effects of having high cortisol in the body
The so-called stress hormone, cortisol, is one of the number one enemies of public health. The reason for this is that studies have shown that a high level of cortisol interferes with learning, memory and decreases immune function, as well as causing us to gain weight among many other physical and mental effects.
Therefore, chronic stress, or what is the same, having some elevated cortisol levels It can increase the risk of suffering from depression, certain mental illnesses, as well as a shorter life expectancy. So, how can we prevent this stress hormone from interfering with our lives?
He cortisol It is a steroid hormone that plays a key role in stressful situations. That is why it is recognized as the ‘stress hormone’ since it is one of the hormones that is most relevant during symptoms of stress in our body. The cortisol hormone not only influences stress, but also has the following functions in our body.
Regulation of blood pressure
glucose metabolism
Immune function
Inflammatory answer
insulin release
The stress hormone
When we experience intense fear in our lives, the adrenal glands release cortisol as a reply. This happens because when we face some type of external threat, our body experiences a series of chain reactions that prepare it to stay and face the problem or escape to a safe place. In this response, cortisol plays a very relevant role as a response to these stressful situations that we can suffer in our daily lives.
A person who experiences too much stress, that is, who has a high cortisol, can suffer a series of consequences on a mental and physical level. Among the most notable we find the following.
Increased irritability and sadness: One of the consequences of stress or have high cortisol It is precisely having a greater tendency to be irritated as well as a greater propensity to experience sadness. In these cases, people tend to suffer more stressful situations since they are more predisposed to take things in a bad way. So much so that if this continues over time, people can develop depression.
Blood sugar imbalances: The fact of having the high cortisol It causes the sugar levels in our blood to increase, producing a tendency to suffer from diseases such as hyperglycemia. This happens since cortisol stimulates the action of the liver to produce glucose. In addition, stress and cholesterol are also related due to these effects on the liver.
Decreased bone density: Osteoporosis, or decreased absorption of calcium in the body is also one of the effects of this hormonal imbalance that causes stress.
Decreased muscle tissue: Stress also has consequences for our muscle tissue. Thus, have high cortisol It contributes to lowering the level of our muscles.
Higher blood pressure: The stress hormone It also causes us to suffer from higher blood pressure, which contributes to experiencing more nervousness.
Lack of concentration and memory failures: Have the high cortisol It also causes problems in our mental functions. In this way, people with high cortisol often suffer from problems with concentration and memory.
Weight gain: Another stress-related symptom with cortisol It’s weight gain. This is because having high cortisol contributes to retaining more fluids and to a redistribution of body fat.
Lack of defenses in the body: He cortisol and its functions They contribute to making the body have more inhibition of inflammation and immunity to external pathogens.
Hormonal imbalance: Chronic stress or suffering from many stressful situations contribute to the existence of a hormonal imbalance in the body which can translate into alterations in the menstrual cycle, changes in the skin (acne, fragility), as well as hair loss.
Taking into account all the consequences of having high cortisol, it is obvious to understand the importance of controlling our stress levels. Thus, if you want to alleviate the effects of the so-called ‘stress hormone’, you need to go to a professional psychologist.
How to reduce cortisol?
In addition to going to therapy if you feel that stress is affecting your life, psychologists recommend the following to lower cortisol in our bodies.
Regular physical activity: Everyone repeats it ad nauseum: physical exercise is essential for a good mental state. Moving daily is one of the ways to reduce the fear associated to stress and its symptoms The reason for this is that the resistance and strength, associated with the self-confidence that we obtain by having a better physical condition, is very effective in reducing cortisol in our bodies.
Meditation: Any type of meditation will help you combat stress and therefore get cortisol down of your body. Simply taking a few deep breaths in stressful situations can help decrease the frequency.
Social Connectivity: Various studies have shown that social isolation leads to increased cortisol level in people, which also triggers the development of different mental health problems. Establishing and helping to form close human ties, whether with family or friends, allows people to relax their parasympathetic nervous system, which also contributes to reducing the hormone cortisol
Smile more: Smiles or a sense of humor are also one of the methods that help us alleviate the problems. effects of cortisol and stress In fact, different studies have found a link with laughter and reduced levels of stress hormones (including cortisol).
Listen to more music: Listening to music you love has been shown to reduce cortisol levels Furthermore, music has many effects on our mood and helps reduce stress.
He cortisol It has many negative effects that can take their toll on us if its presence is at high levels in our body. Therefore, inner work, whether on your own or with the help of a mental health professional, will be very effective in being able to put aside everything that comes with having too high a level of this stress hormone.
